Vernessa Ann Mitchell is an American contemporary Christian and gospel recording artist. She began her career at the age of sixteen after being discovered by Berry Gordy of Motown Records and became a member of the teen girl group High Inergy alongside three other members. The group released a gold-certified debut album featuring the hit single “You Can’t Turn Me Off (In the Middle of Turning Me On)” and appeared on television programs. Mitchell launched her solo career with This Is My Story (1985), whose title track received Grammy and Dove Award nominations, followed by Higher Ground (1988), which produced signature songs such as “Rise and Shine” and “Trust in the Lord” and inspired the creation of Higher Ground Ministries. Her 1992 album Destiny marked a crossover success, featuring tracks such as “Reap” and “You Took My Life,” which gained attention in urban and club settings, including remixes by DJ Junior Vasquez. Her later work included chart success on Billboard’s dance charts throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including the single “This Joy” which became a major dance hit in 1999.